Day: July 3, 2024

Malta’s FIBA European Small Countries Championship 2024: A Mixed Bag of Triumphs and Lessons

The FIBA European Small Countries Championship 2024 in Andorra marked a significant milestone for the Malta national basketball team under the new guidance of coach Duncan Fenech. Appointed in February, Fenech brought his experience from Luxol to the national stage, to lead a roster of players mostly coming from the local Division One who performed in a way that exceeded expectations by the end of the tournament.

Malta’s roster was nevertheless bolstered by three overseas players: veteran centre Samuel Deguara, Michael Sjoberg, and Joshua Tomasi.

Deguara, arriving late due to commitments in Taiwan, missed the opening game against Gibraltar. His absence was felt as Malta fell to an 89-81 defeat. Nevertheless, Deguara’s impact was immediate and profound once he stepped on the court. In the subsequent game against San Marino, he dominated, leading Malta to a resounding 92-52 victory. His performance not only highlighted his critical role but also propelled him to the top scorer of the tournament, earning him the MVP award by Sunday’s final day.

In a statement after the tournament, coach Fenech said late arrivals hindered preparation.

“We were unable to prepare for the tournament with a complete squad mostly due to the fact that Joshua (Tomasi) and Sam (Deguara) could only join us just before the start due to club commitments. However, we picked up and improved to build momentum for the semi-final,” he said.

“In many ways, this tournament presented a different challenge as we relied mostly on homegrown players to lead the team throughout this journey. Our players managed to gain confidence and performed well to make it to the final.”

Michael Sjoberg’s return to the national team after a prolonged absence added another layer of strength. The Switzerland-based Maltese power forward made a notable impact with 19 points off the bench in the opening game against Gibraltar. His presence provided much-needed depth and versatility to Malta’s lineup.

David Bugeja, a key player for Mellieha Libertas last season, stood out as one of the main orchestrators on the court. Averaging 13.2 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game, Bugeja’s consistent performance and leadership were instrumental in Malta’s journey to the final. His drive to compensate for missing out on the Division One title with Mellieha Libertas was evident as he started in all five games.

Youngster Neil Cassar, who spent last season on loan at Valletta Fighters, was given an opportunity against San Marino and made the most of his limited minutes, showcasing confidence with a dunk among his contributions.

The Malta National Team photo.
The Malta squad at this year’s FIBA Small European Countries Championships. Photo: FIBA

Meanwhile, Luxol’s Nathan Xuereb and Starlites’ Ian Felice Pace took on the starting guards’ role. Despite previously losing his spot to Eric Washington at the 2023 Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE), Xuereb averaged a solid nine points per game, proving his reliability in crucial moments. Felice Pace, while not as prominent on offence, was a crucial part of Malta’s defence. The Malta youngster showed confidence in his play, repaying the faith by his coach.

Malta Expectations

Malta’s community may have had high expectations due to the generally favourable draw. However, the absence of usual key players like Aaron Falzon, Tevin Falzon, and Nelson Kahler, who were unavailable for the call-up to this tournament due to other personal commitments, was a point of concern. These omissions initially appeared risky, but Fenech’s strategy demonstrated faith in the local talent available and the selected roster.

The results reflected a tournament of fluctuating fortunes for Malta. After their initial defeat to Gibraltar, they bounced back emphatically against San Marino. The game against hosts Andorra was a tightly contested affair, but Malta fell short with a score of 82-78. In the semifinal, Malta redeemed their earlier loss by defeating Gibraltar 85-79, setting up a rematch with Andorra in the final. Despite a valiant effort, Malta was edged out 84-79, securing the runner-up position.

“Andorra were always the favourites, playing in front of their home crowd with relatively young and talented players. That said, we always believed we had the quality to make it,” Fenech remarked.

“We are very proud of our players as they gave their all and only fell short of winning the top prize in the last stages of the final game.”

Report Card

Offence: A-

Malta showcased an impressive offensive strategy, particularly highlighted by Deguara’s dominance and Bugeja’s consistent contributions. The team’s ability to recover from the opening loss and post high-scoring games demonstrated effective offensive plays.

Defence: B

While Malta had strong defensive moments, their ability to hold off opponents like Andorra in crucial moments was a mixed bag. Improvement in maintaining defensive intensity throughout the game is needed.

Team Cohesion: B+

The integration of locally-based players with overseas talents was mostly successful. However, the late arrival of key players like Deguara and Tomasi did pose some challenges.

Coaching: B+

Coach Fenech’s debut together with assistants Brandon Cassar Saguna and Omar Said was promising, reflecting a balanced approach and strategic risk-taking. The decision to rely on local talents showcased depth but highlighted areas for further integration and synergy.

Overall Performance: B+

Malta’s journey to the final, coupled with strong individual performances and team resilience, marked a positive campaign. Despite falling short in the final, the team’s progression under new leadership is an indicator for future tournaments.

Malta’s performance at the FIBA European Small Countries Championship 2024 was a testament to their evolving strength and potential under Coach Fenech’s new regime. The mix of local and overseas players demonstrated promising synergy, setting a solid foundation for future international competitions.

Julian Naudi takes over as Depiro women’s coach

Former youth coach Julian Naudi has been promoted to Depiro‘s senior women’s coach for the coming season, the Mtarfa club announced on Tuesday.

This announcement, together with the confirmation of Sasha Dimitrijevic has marked the start of a transitional summer for the club as Baldacchino duo Ruben and Adrian both departed at the end of the season. Now Depiro look to herald a new era with a new committee and new coaching routes.

Naudi, who previously led the club’s youth teams as well as the men’s team, now makes a step upward to take over a Depiro women’s side that won the Knock Out and finished as runners-up to Caffe Moak Luxol in the league after a majestic run that led them to being crowned regular season champions in May.

In a club statement, new president John Vella said Naudi shares the club’s vision.

“The Depiro Sports Club Committee is pleased to announce the appointment of Julian Naudi as Senior Women Squad Coach. Julian has extensive experience both as a player and as a coach, and has been successful at developing grassroots-level squads within the club,” Vella said.

“He embodies the same principles that drive the club and will be an asset to the Team and all its members, with youth and local talent at the core of our combined approach to basketball.”

Last season, Depiro put on the Ta’ Qali Pavilion’s court a few of Malta’s finest players and while Jamaican centre Jose Ann Johnson is set for a move after her contract expired at the end of last season, Naudi will be hoping to keep hold of the rest of his stars to continue building on last season’s drastic improvements.

Hibernians appoint Kousidis, Buhagiar as senior teams’ coaches

Coach Christos Kousidis is heading to Hibernians this season after a successful season with Athleta as the club pushes for a new future. Former Hibs women coach Winnie Buhagiar has also returned to the club to lead the female squad this coming season.

Hibernians announced their latest appointments on Tuesday as part of a restructuring of the club ahead of next season which brings to the Paolite club the former Athleta mentor who managed to secure playoff basketball for the side after several years in the shadows.

In a club statement, Hibs said former coach Mario Tabone will be taking on a new role within the club’s administration, working alongside President Ronnie Callejja and Nursery Head Coach Tony Cassar to further strenghten the club’s position in Malta.

This vacancy made way for Kousidis to work in hopes of replicating a positive campaign in which he led the Gzira-based side to a third-place regular season finish in the BOV Division One. Now he takes over a side which had an impressive start to last season but faltered at the business end, missing the playoffs after being overtaken by Depiro in the final stages.

Meanwhile, Buhagiar, who is far from a new name among the Hibs community, will be tasked with rebuilding the squad which has suffered throughout the past few seasons as the club will be hoping for a breath of fresh air in a MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League campaign which will now include six clubs.

“We are thrilled to welcome Christos Kousidis and Winnie Buhagiar to our club. Their expertise and vision align perfectly with our goals,” President Ronnie Callejja said in the club statement.

“With a proven track record and a wealth of experience in baketball and in Malta, Christos Kousidis is expected to bring fresh strategies and an innovative approach to the team.

“Winnie Buhagiar will be leading the Women’s Senior Team. Known for sterling career, winning all major trophies as a player with Siggiewi and Hibernians, Winnie is anticipated to enhance the team’s performance and competitive spirit.

“Additionally, Mario Tabone’s shift to an administrative role will undoubtedly enhance and strenghten our strategic planning and execution.”

Innovative enhancement

Kousidis brings with him a sense of energy and enthusiasm which seems to be desired among the Hibs camp. With an animated following at Ta’ Qali last season, the team had support which pushed them towards their goal.

On the other hand, Hibs’ season was largely dependent on the prowess of Ivan Demcesen and US import Mason Hix, who faced an unfortunate end to his Maltese basketball season after a doping accusation during the Knock Out, together with fellow import player Nick Brennen. Hibs managed to secure former Valletta Fighters forward Keith Charleston for the final part of the regular season but failed to reach the points threshold.

In the Women’s League, Hibs appeared to show effort under Sandro Farrugia’s mentorship. However, they were no match with powerhouses Depiro, Luxol and Starlites who all won silverware last season.

Now they will seek to follow the strategy of Farrugia’s former colleague within the Malta Women’s Under-18 National Team as Buhagiar takes over again after her stint with Hibernians in 2014.